ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS - RURAL

19 RURAL ENVIRONMENT

19.1 INTRODUCTION The rural environments of the contain extensive resources, which on a per capita basis must be as great as anywhere else in . These resources include indigenous forest, exotic forest, farmland, minerals, rivers, lakes, buildings and infrastructure. They are all used to a greater or lesser extent to provide social, economic and cultural well being of the community. The National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation's Land Resource Inventory shows the District to be predominantly Class V-VIII land, of low to negligible suitability for arable farming, general pastoralism and forestry. Grey District does not contain any high quality Class I and II land. Class III and IV lands of general suitability are largely confined to the river and stream valleys of the District. Class III land is restricted to the Grey River Valley between and Totara Flat, , on the eastern shores of Lake Brunner, and Taramakau settlement. The District is characterised by its widespread indigenous forests, and in comparison, rather limited pastoral farming areas. The Grey River catchment is perhaps indicative of the whole District, having 85% vegetation cover of native bush in 1985. Parts of the river valleys and certain lower altitude areas have been cleared of native forests and have been sown in introduced grass species for productive agriculture. In areas found to be sub-marginal for agricultural use regeneration of scrub and weed species has occurred. These latter areas accounted for 10% of the catchment’s vegetation cover in 1985. The boggy pakihi soils of the District are largely treeless, supporting only stunted manuka, sedges, water fern and bracken but often fringed by rimu and beech forests. The pakihi forests offer ideal growing conditions for sphagnum moss, which is harvested on a sustainable basis by picking areas and allowing regeneration over approximately a five-year period. Such soils are also available for exotic forestry. Wetlands are a valuable recreational resource and have an important water retention and purification function. In the past some of these have been modified by drainage and development and this may have had the effect of increasing flood intensities and reducing biological diversity. The principal activities associated with the forest resources are the felling and processing of trees, although harvesting of sphagnum moss is increasing in significance. Forestry activities have been mainly confined to the lowland forests. Approximately 80% of the District's native forests are State owned, managed mainly by the Department of Conservation. The remaining area is largely administered by Timberlands West Coast Ltd. In accordance with Ministry of Forestry policy, Timberlands manage these forests on a long-term sustainable yield basis. Private foresters are also required to carry out operations on a sustainable basis. Native production forests of podocarp and beech are situated in the Kopara/Haupiri area, between Lady Lake and Lake Haupiri, and on the foothills north, south and east of the Grey River. Exotic forestry now occupies approximately 15,200ha of land within the District, the major plantation blocks being Paparoa, Hochstetter, Mawhera and Omoto/Nemona. Timber processing industries, whilst generally in the rural environment, have in most cases had towns spring up beside them and have become part of the town environment. Small portable sawmill operations have also established in the District.

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The principal activities associated with farmland are sheep and beef farming, dairying, deer, and to a lesser extent pigs and horticulture. Farmland is scattered in relatively small discontinuous strips adjoining the coast or in river valleys. Historically the Flats, coastal areas south of , Grey Valley and flats around Lake Brunner and Taramakau have been developed extensively for sheep and beef farming, and more recently, dairying has grown in significance. The main agricultural industries of the Phoenix Meat Plant at and the Nelson Creek Abattoir are both established in the rural environment. In addition to those industries above, the rural area has traditionally supported a diverse range of rural service industries, such as contractors’ depots or trucking companies among other things. These are typically situated within or adjoining rural settlements. Tourism has increased significantly over recent years, much of it based on the resources of the rural area such as the forests, rivers and lakes and heritage items. Tourist attractions in the District include tramping, fishing, boating, sailing, white and blackwater rafting, gold panning, horse trekking, nature and historic site viewing, which are able to utilise the natural resources of the District, such as the coast and back country. The principal activities associated with mineral resources are coal mining, gold mining, and gravel and limestone. There are also ilmenite mining and petroleum resources that have potential for future development. There are several coalmines presently operating, both State and private, and other projects are being progressed. Much of the gold and bituminous coal resources of the West Coast are contained in the Grey District. Underground hydromining and open cast mining are the most commonly used methods of extraction, with mines having crushing and screening facilities onsite. Extraction of gold from alluvial fans and terraces is the principal means of gold recovery in the Grey District. Although the presence of hard rock gold has been identified in the Grey River catchment, present prospective areas are few. The size of operations varies, from the large dredging operations to recreational or hobby mining using cradles, sluice boxes and other handheld equipment. The majority of operators mining alluvial deposits use hydraulic diggers and rotary screens that either float in a pond or are skid mounted. Limestone is quarried in a number of places in the District and used mainly as agricultural lime. Gravel for roading aggregate is extracted from various rivers within the District, predominantly the Grey and export of some gravel from the Greymouth Port commenced at the beginning of 1998. Within the Rural Environmental Area is also infrastructure which services activities in the local and wider areas. This includes roading and National Grid Infrastructure.

19.2 ISSUES 1. Potential adverse effects of activities in the rural area may include the following:  the lowering of water quality through the discharge of contaminants.  a reduction in the natural character of wetlands, the lakes and rivers and their margins by a loss of riparian vegetation, intrusive structures and earthworks in proximity to the waterbody. GREY DISTRICT PLAN

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 reduction in the landscape value of areas by the renewal of vegetation, major earthworks and increased activity.  increased traffic and shading of roads.  increase in erosion and instability of sites.  disturbance and loss of areas of vegetation and wildlife habitats.  a general reduction in rural amenities in respect of quietness, privacy, spaciousness and polluted air and water.  conflict between new activities and established activities which can potentially inhibit the operation of the latter. While many activities in the rural environment such as farming, mining and forestry enable people to provide for their economic, social and cultural well being, potential adverse effects may be generated. Given the area of the District, the abundance of resources (many of which are protected or sustainably managed) and a relatively low population, sustainable management can be approached in a manner differing from that in areas of the country where resources are severely depleted or under pressure. In particular, less restrictive measures may be adopted and non-regulatory methods implemented.

19.3 OBJECTIVES 1. The management of resources in the rural environment in a manner that enables people and communities to carry out a variety of activities while ensuring that the resource base is sustainable for future generations and maintaining the life supporting capacity and healthy functioning of ecosystems. 2. The retention of the character of the rural environment in which existing amenities include its openness and spaciousness, natural features and presence of indigenous vegetation.

19.4 POLICIES 1. Activities should not significantly reduce the long-term potential or availability of the natural and physical resource. 2. New activities should not adversely impact on the operation of established activities provided that any effect generated by the established activity does not give rise to a nuisance that would not normally be expected in a rural working environment. 3. A wide range of activities are carried out in a manner that avoids, remedies or mitigates adverse effects, including those referred to in Policies 4 - 5. 4. Patterns of subdivision and development should ensure that the openness of the rural environment is retained. The bulk and location of structures should not effect the character of the rural area or affect the amenities of adjoining properties. 5. Activities should not adversely affect the amenities of the rural area or adjoining properties in terms of such matters as effluent disposal, noise, traffic generation, air emissions, odour, shading and visual impact.

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6. Activities and buildings shall not limit or impede the ability for existing public and National Grid Infrastructure to be operated, upgraded, developed and maintained. This includes that sensitive activities shall not be located within the National Grid Buffer Area. 19.4.1 EXPLANATION AND REASONS The rural area of the Grey District is important to the economic, cultural, social and recreational well being and thus the lifestyle of the community. The resources in the rural area should therefore be managed so as to ensure their life supporting capacity is safeguarded and so they can meet the foreseeable needs of future generations. The rural area is characterised by an openness and natural features that are of importance to the community. Components include the coastline, water features, vegetation and the absence of built up areas. The maintenance and enhancement of amenity values is in accordance with Section 7(c) of the Act. The rural area contains resources including soil, water, gravel, rock and wildlife habitats that can be limited in extent. It is important that activities do not compromise the potential of resources to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations including their lifestyle. Provided adverse effects can be avoided, remedied or mitigated a wide range of activities should be permitted. Public and National Grid Infrastructure is a common feature of rural areas and is necessary in order to service both the immediate and wider areas. The ability to access and maintain infrastructure is necessary as is the importance of ensuring activities are not undertaken which may create safety risks for those parties undertaking an activity or the users of that infrastructure.

19.5 IMPLEMENTATION METHODS 1. Rules in the District Plan. 2. Rules in Regional Council Plans, such as:  Regional Air Quality Plan  Soil Conservation and Erosion Control Plan  Control of the Discharge of Contaminants to Land 3. Consult with the rural communities and other bodies and organisations. 4. Education and guidelines. 5. Reference to other Statutory Documents including the NZ Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances.

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19.5.1 REASONS A number of methods are available. Regulatory controls are provided through the District Plan. In addition, there are a number of effects generated by activities that are dealt with by Regional Council Plans. As indicated in 2.4(vii) the effect of these provisions are not duplicated in this Plan as it would create additional delay and costs, and detract from integrated management. The three Regional Plans identified in 19.5 deal with such matters as:  control of erosion  vegetation clearance  activities in proximity to waterways  discharge of odour  discharge of contaminants to land  erosion  water quality These rules are likely to effect activities such as farming, forestry, mining and factory farming. Also relevant are non-regulatory methods such as guidelines and education for such matters as riparian management. In the imposition of District Plan provisions, other regulatory requirements are also applicable and where appropriate direction to these requirements can be included in the Plan. Examples include National Environmental Standards and Codes of Practice.

19.6 ENVIRONMENTAL RESULTS ANTICIPATED AND MONITORING

Anticipated Environmental Results Monitoring and Review Data

 Maintenance and enhancement of the  Monitor rural dwelling numbers and the length natural character and amenity of the and condition of roading and bridges to ensure rural environment while providing for a that areas are not developed beyond their diverse range of activities. capacity to be accessed.  Use, development and protection of  Monitor the area of land under indigenous resources within the District, providing forest, exotic forest and farming so that that the scale of each activity and its changes in the intensity and level of rural effects, both short and long-term, are practices can be effectively monitored. appropriate to its environment and  Consultation will be used as an effective community needs. monitoring tool to ensure that objectives, policies and rules are appropriate for the rural environment.

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19.7 RULES - RURAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREA

Note: The National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health applies to any piece of land on which an activity or industry described in the current edition of the Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL) is, has been, or is more likely than not to have been undertaken. Refer to the “Grey District Council NES Contaminants in Soil Process Guide” to determine if these regulations are applicable to the activity proposed.

19.7 ITEM PERMITTED CONTROLLED 1. Permitted Activities Any activity is a permitted activity provided that it does not contravene any (ii)Not applicable. General other rule in this Environmental Area.

2. Minimum (i) Residential units are permitted if: (ii) Not applicable. Residential Unit Site (a) The residential unit is contained within a minimum net area of 1 Area hectare exclusive of access; and (b) The minimum net area referred to in (a) is a physically contiguous parcel of land. (c) Part (b) of this rule does not apply to non-contiguous sites (of 1 hectare or greater net area exclusive of access) legally established prior to 16 August 2006. (d) A residential unit can be established on a title created by the following subdivision applications: PL 1401-06 Beechwater, Kokiri PL 1344-05 Tiller Bay, Rapahoe PL 1417-06 Road, Mitchells PL 1447-06 Brunner Road, Lake Poerua Note: In non-sewered areas a discharge consent from the West Coast Regional Council may be required which could effect the minimum site area.

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DISCRETIONARY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA EXPLANATION (iii)Not applicable. (i) Not applicable. Any activity is allowed in the Rural Environment provided the rules are not contravened. (iii) Any activity that (i) The area of the residential unit The scale and intensity of residential contravenes a permitted (ii) The number of residential units in the vicinity units should be such that a level of condition is a discretionary (iii) How the residential units relate to one rural amenity is retained in terms of activity. another. openness and privacy. (iv) The disposal of effluent. Sites that are made up of non- (v) Whether the site size will adequately provide contiguous parcels can result in for the outdoor needs of the activities on the clustering of residential units. This site, and retain a dominance of open space layout can have an effect on rural over buildings. openness and spaciousness, detract (vi) The intended use of the residential unit from the natural character of the In respect of 19.7.2)i)(b) coastline and waterbodies and their (vii) The number and scale of dwellings on non- margins and result in over contiguous parcels of land. domestication of the rural area. While (viii) The effects, both positive and adverse, of there may also be benefits in the residential units located on non-contiguous clustering of residential units – parcels of land, particularly if the residential including more efficient provision of units are grouped or clustered, on services, avoidance of natural hazards  The natural character of waterbodies and and trade off protection of landscapes wetlands including their margins, and the – it is considered appropriate that coastal environment Council maintain discretion over this  Areas of outstanding natural features and type of development to control landscapes and significant natural areas potential adverse effects.  Provision of services, including roading and A small number of non-contiguous 1 the disposal of effluent and stormwater hectare subdivisions were being  Spaciousness and openness of the rural processed at the time of a change to area, including the potential effect of the plan being introduced. It is structures reasonable to allow these proposals to  Natural and coastal hazards proceed as per the provisions in place  The function of the state highway network, when they were lodged. Therefore including the appropriateness of the access these sites have been given an with respect to but not limited by, location exemption in regard to Rule 19.7.2 and standard of access. (ix) The reasons for the non-contiguous nature of the site

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19.7 ITEM PERMITTED CONTROLLED 3. Setbacks (i) Buildings and forestry are permitted if: (ii) Not applicable. (a) the minimum setback from internal boundaries is:  5m for principal residential buildings  5m for other buildings greater than 5m2 in gross floor area  3m for other buildings less than 5m2 in gross floor area.  10m for forestry activities, provided that setbacks are not required where land on either side of the boundary is owned by the same person; and (b) the minimum setback from the road boundary is:  10m for buildings except that this shall not apply to buildings less than 5m2 in gross floor area  20m for forestry activities (c) The following setbacks are complied with:  No building is erected within 100 metres of MHWS.  No building for residential or commercial purposes is erected within 150 metres of the boundary of any oxidation pond and no oxidation ponds are located within 150 metres of a residential or commercial building.  No building is erected within 20m of a margin of a lake or within 25m of a wetland greater than 2 ha.  No building is erected within 10m of a bank of a river or stream which is more than 3m in width.  Forestry is not to be undertaken within:  25m of a wetland greater than 0.5 hectares  20m of a lake  10m of rivers and streams with an average bed width greater than 3m adjacent to the activity provided that this does not apply to the retrieval or removal of unavoidable logging debris, including logs, and aerial cable suspension logging. For the purposes of setbacks from the margin of a lake or wetland and the bank of a river or stream, a building does not include a jetty bridge, culvert or stream crossing. Rule 19.7.3 does not apply to those aspects of forestry where there is a common function as defined by the provisions of sections 30 and 31 of the Resource Management Act 1991 between the West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) and the Grey District Council (GDC) and the WCRC has granted a resource consent (not including a certificate of compliance issued under Section 139 of the RM Act) and that resource consent application raises the same issues for consideration by both authorities in relation to that aspect of the forestry activity. If any aspects of forestry within the areas described in Rule 19.7.3(i)(c) fifth bullet point are not subject to a resource consent from the WCRC or issues arise for determination beyond the proper exercise of the WCRC decision- making process and a resource consent is otherwise required from the GDC, the activity will require a resource consent from the GDC, unless the activity is otherwise permitted under these rules.

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DISCRETIONARY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA EXPLANATION (iii) Any activity that (i) The effect on adjoining properties in terms of Setbacks from internal boundaries contravenes a permitted sunlight, noise and privacy. enable a reasonable separation condition is a discretionary (ii) The effect on road safety distance to be retained in order all the activity. (iii) The extent to which the intrusion towards the streetscapes effects on neighbours road is necessary in order to allow more properties are minimised. efficient, practical and/or pleasant use of the Control of buildings in the coastal area remainder of the site. allows Council to assess the effects on (iv) The extent to which alternative practical the natural character of the coastline locations are available for the building. and also the threat to development of (v) The extent to which the proposed building natural hazards. will detract from the pleasantness, Restrictions on building in proximity to coherence, openness and attractiveness of oxidation ponds (as shown on the site as viewed from the street and Planning Maps 25, 34, 36 & 38) adjoining sites. enable these facilities to operate (vi) The degree to which existing or proposed without unduly effecting adjoining landscaping, including plantings, mitigate the landowners and vice versa. effects of limited building setback from a Forestry should be setback from road. boundaries in order that trees do not (vii) The extent to which the intrusion towards the create shading, a fire risk or adversely internal boundary is necessary to enable affect amenities. more efficient, practical and/or pleasant use Buildings and forestry are required to of the remainder of the site. be set back from waterways for (viii) The ability to mitigate any adverse effects of amenity, natural character and natural the proposal on adjoining sites, including hazards reasons. through the provision of landscape plantings. To avoid duplication of process, (ix) The effect on the natural character of the resource consent for forestry setbacks coastline and if any natural hazard (such as from the GDC is not required where erosion, sea level etc) will create an impact. the WCRC has granted a resource (x) The actual potential adverse effects of the consent for an application which oxidation pond. addresses an issue that is common to (xi) The effects on natural character, life the functions of both councils and supporting capacity, ecological and amenity properly arises for determination within values, natural hazards and public access the WCRC decision making process. associated with lakes, rivers, wetlands and their margins.

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19.7 ITEM PERMITTED CONTROLLED 3A National Grid (i)(a) Within the National Grid Buffer Area a building, or the (ii) Not applicable Infrastructure change of use of a building, shall comply with the following standards: (i) From National Grid Poles (a) Buildings (excluding fences up to 2.5m in height) shall be setback a minimum of 12 metres (b) Fences up to 2.5m in height shall be:  Setback a minimum of 1.5m from the outer edge of a pole or stay wire; and  Fences setback between 1.5m and 5.0m from a pole or stay wire shall be of a non-conductive design and readily removable for the purposes of operator access to National Grid Infrastructure.

(ii) From National Grid Power Lines (as measured from the centre line): (a) Pi Poles – Buildings shall be setback a minimum of 12 metres from the centreline of transmission lines suspended from Pi Poles (b) Single Poles – Buildings shall be setback a minimum of 10 metres from the centreline of transmission lines suspended from single poles (c) Except that the following activities are exempt from the above National Grid Power Line setback standards:  A fence of up to 2.5 metres in height;  The physical alteration of an existing building where the degree of non-compliance does not increase;  Uninhabitable horticultural or farm buildings (this does not include a commercial greenhouse, a milking and/or dairy shed, a wintering barn or a factory farm building).

(b) From a National Grid Substation, buildings shall be setback a minimum of 12 metres. The setback requirement is to be measured from the edge of the substation designation or where the substation is not designated, the secured fence of the substation.

(c) Earthworks within the National Grid Buffer Area must: (i) Be no deeper than 300mm within 5m of a pole or stay wire; (ii) Not result in a reduction in a ground to conductor clearance distance less than 6.5m; (iii) Not compromise National Grid support structure stability; and (iv) Not limit or impede vehicular access to a pole or stay wire.

Except that the requirement in (c)(i) above shall not apply to:  Earthworks given dispensation by the National Grid Operator under Clause 2.2.1 of NZECP34:2001;  The agricultural or domestic cultivation of land;  Agricultural land drainage no closer than 2.2 metres from a pole or stay wire (provided it is no deeper than 750mm when between 2.2m and 5m of a National Grid pole or stay wire);  The repair, sealing or resealing of a road, footpath, driveway or farm track; or  Vertical holes not exceeding 500mm in diameter and located a minimum of 1.5m from the outer edge of a pole or stay wire.

Note: If you propose to undertake any new activity, alter an existing activity or construct a structure including fences and irrigation units within 20m of a National Grid Infrastructure it is recommended that the National Grid operator is consulted with.

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DISCRETIONARY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA EXPLANATION (iii) Any activity that (i) Setback from National Grid Substations: Setback distances from contravenes a  The effects on the ability to operate, maintain and National Grid Infrastructure permitted condition upgrade National Grid Substations are based on a horizontal is a discretionary  The risk of electrical hazards affecting public or distance measurement. activity unless individual safety, and risk of property damage otherwise specified  Reverse sensitivity effects on National Grid In considering appropriate as a non-complying substations setback requirements regard activity.  Technical advice by the National Grid operator. shall be had to the National Policy Statement on Electricity (ii) Earthworks within the National Grid Buffer Area: Transmission and Policy  The risk to the stability of the National Grid 19.4.6 of this Plan. Infrastructure  The effects on the ability to operate, maintain and In addition to National Grid upgrade the National Grid Infrastructure setback standards, persons  The risk of electrical hazards affecting public or are also required to comply individual safety, and risk of property damage with other legislative requirements including the  Technical advice by the National Grid operator New Zealand Electrical Code  Any impact on the ability of the National Grid of Practice for Electrical safe operator to access the National Grid. Distances and the Electricity

(Hazards from Trees) (iii) Setback from Poles: Regulations 2003.  The risk to the stability and structural integrity of the Compliance with the District National Grid Infrastructure Plan does not ensure  The effects on the ability to operate, maintain and compliance with these other upgrade National Grid Infrastructure legislative requirements.  The risk of electrical hazards affecting public or individual safety, and risk of property damage  Technical advice by the National Grid Operator

(iv) Setback from Lines  The effects on the ability to operate, maintain and upgrade National Grid Infrastructure  The risk of electrical hazards affecting public or individual safety, and risk of property damage  Technical advice by the National Grid Operator

NON-COMPLYING EXPLANATION (iv) From 10 July 2018, any activity that Setback distances from National Grid Infrastructure are contravenes one of the following permitted based on a horizontal distance measurement. conditions is a non-complying activity: 19.7.3A(i)(a) In considering appropriate setback requirements regard shall 19.7.3A(c)(ii)-(iv) be had to the National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission and Policy 19.4.6 of this Plan.

In addition to National Grid setback standards, persons are also required to comply with other legislative requirements including the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical safe Distances and the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003. Compliance with the District Plan does not ensure compliance with these other legislative requirements.

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19.7 ITEM PERMITTED CONTROLLED 4. Building (i) Relocated buildings onto sites are permitted if: (ii) Relocated design and (a) they are constructed within the last ten years and buildings not Appearance (b) they are constructed of new materials and meeting the (c) they are established on foundations complying with the building code at the conditions of time of relocation. permitted activity are a controlled activity in which Council reserves control over the design and appearance of the buildings.

5. Indigenous (i) Indigenous vegetation clearance is permitted if the SNA process has not been (vi) Not applicable. Vegetation undertaken for a site or Step 3 below is not completed for that site provided the Clearance area subject to vegetation clearance: (a) Is less than 2000 m2 per 5 years per site or (b) Is more than 2000 m2 per 5 years per site provided:  The indigenous vegetation to be cleared is not contiguous with any land managed for conservation purposes, or  The area of indigenous vegetation is less than 5 hectares in area  The area is not a wetland, or (ii) Indigenous vegetation clearance is permitted if it is for the following: (a) clearance of indigenous vegetation understorey beneath exotic forest areas (b) clearance of vegetation for farm tracks and of regrowth vegetation to maintain existing tracks and stock crossings (c) the incidental clearance of vegetation to control gorse, broom, or other exotic plant pests (d) the management of vegetation necessary for the safe and efficient operation of any formed road and the ongoing operation, maintenance and upgrading of existing lines for conveying electricity, or (iii) Indigenous vegetation clearance on any site is permitted if it is outside an SNA included in Schedule 1 after the SNA process is completed for that site, or an SNA has not been included in Schedule 1 after the completion of the Plan Change process, or (iv) Indigenous vegetation clearance is a permitted activity if it is exempt under Rule 19.7.5(xi) (v)Indigenous vegetation clearance is permitted if it is not undertaken within: (a) 25m of a wetland greater than 0.5 hectare (b) 20m from a lake (c) 10m of rivers and streams with an average bed width greater than 3m adjacent to the activity. Rule 19.7.5(v) does not apply to the following which are permitted activities:  The incidental clearance of vegetation to control gorse, broom, or other exotic plant pests.  Fencing.  In respect of rivers and streams, construction of access points to water on the basis of either one per site or one every 400m of linear measure for stock and vehicles and structures such as whitebait stands.  The management necessary for the ongoing operation, maintenance and upgrading of existing lines for electricity.  Indigenous vegetation clearance or an activity that will have the effect of clearing vegetation where there is a common function as defined by the provisions of Sections 30 and 31 of the Resource Management Act 1991 between the West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) and the Grey District Council (GDC) and the WCRC has granted a resource consent (not including a certificate of compliance issued under Section 139 of the RM Act) and that resource consent application raises the same issues for consideration by both authorities in relation to the indigenous vegetation clearance. If any aspects of indigenous vegetation clearance within the areas described in Rule 19.7.5(v)(a), (b) or (c) are not subject to a resource consent from the WCRC or issues arise for determination beyond the proper exercise of the WCRC decision-making process and a resource consent is otherwise required from the GDC, the activity will require a resource consent from the GDC, unless the activity is otherwise permitted under these rules.

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DISCRETIONARY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA EXPLANATION (iii) Not applicable. (i) The proposed location of the This will ensure that older building on the site and its relocatable buildings are brought visibility from off the site. up to a suitable standard. (ii) Any other matters relating to Relocatable buildings are often visual character of the sub-standard in appearance. building, proposed alterations to the building, its proposed surroundings, such as topography, proximity to public areas and proposed plantings.

NB: Refer to SNA steps below. (i) Not Applicable Council is currently undertaking a Indigenous vegetation clearance is a discretionary project to identify Significant activity as defined in Rules 19.7.5(vii)-(x) unless exempt Natural Areas (SNAs) on all land by Rule 19.7.(xi) below. not administered by DOC within (vii) Indigenous vegetation clearance where an SNA study the District. The steps undertaken has not been undertaken or Step 3 is not completed and to identify SNAs are outlined in conditions (a) and (b) of Rule 19.7.5(i) are not met. Rule 19.7.5. The criteria used to (viii) Indigenous vegetation clearance within or on any part identify the SNAs are set out in of a site where an SNA is identified at Step 3. Policy 5.4.2. (ix) Indigenous vegetation clearance within or on any part Until the SNA process is of a site where an SNA is identified at Step 5. completed to Step 3, a resource (x) Indigenous vegetation clearance within an SNA consent is required to clear any identified in Schedule 1 after the SNA process is indigenous vegetation except for completed (Steps 1-9). areas identified in Rule 19.7.5(i)(a) (xi)(a) Indigenous vegetation clearance is exempt from and (b) and (ii). If after Step 3 an Rule 19.7.5(viii) if the SNA process up to and including SNA has not been identified on a Step 3 below, has been undertaken for a site, and a DOC site, and a DOC ecologist has ecologist has certified in writing that there is no SNA on provided written certification there that site or is no SNA on that site, resource (b) Indigenous vegetation clearance is exempt from Rule consent is not required to clear 19.7.5(ix) if the SNA process up to and including Step 5 indigenous vegetation. However, if below, has been undertaken for a site, and a DOC an SNA is identified then resource ecologist has certified in writing that there is no SNA on consent is required for indigenous that site. vegetation clearance on site, The steps relative to the determination of SNAs defined in including within the SNA. Rules 19.7.5(vii-xi) are as follows: Vegetation clearance on a site is 1. Council ecologist undertakes SNA desktop study and also permitted if further consults with DOC ecologist. When carrying out the investigation at Step 5 establishes SNA assessment/ certification process the criteria that there is not an SNA on the defined in Policy 5.4.2 shall be applied by the Council site. ecologist and the DOC ecologist. Once an SNA is confirmed by way 2. The SNA sites are refined from the roadside and public of Plan Change process (Step 9), viewpoints. vegetation clearance on that site 3. The SNA sites are peer reviewed by a DOC ecologist will require resource consent only who will provide written confirmation of SNAs on sites if it is within the confirmed SNA, and written certification of all sites that do not contain but not if it is outside the area. SNAs. Rule 19.7.5(v) must also be 4. Landowners are contacted for a site visit by Council complied with. ecologist. Indigenous vegetation clearance is 5. The extent of SNAs are confirmed with the landowner discretionary in the margins of on site. Where an SNA is not confirmed, a landowner waterbodies and wetlands to help has the right to request a DOC ecologist to provide protect riparian values. written certification that there is no SNA on site. To avoid duplication of process, 6. Council ecologist report is prepared and sent to resource consent for indigenous landowner for comment. vegetation clearance in riparian 7. Council signs off SNAs. areas from the GDC is not 8. SNAs are entered into the SNA Schedule by way of required where the WCRC has Plan Change process. granted a resource consent to an 9. SNAs are confirmed in Schedule when Plan Change application which addresses an process complete. issue that is common to both In terms of Rule 19.7.5(v): Councils and properly arises for (xii)Any activity that contravenes a permitted activity is a determination with the WCRC discretionary activity. decision making process.

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19.7 ITEM PERMITTED CONTROLLED 6. Landscape (i) Activities are permitted in areas identified on the planning maps (i) Not applicable. Areas as “Area of Outstanding Landscape” if: (a) they are buildings which do not exceed 2m in height or 5m2 in area, and (b) Any indigenous vegetation that is removed does not exceed 100m2 in area in any one hectare, and (c) The activity is not forestry. 7. Building (i) Buildings are permitted if: (ii) Not applicable. Coverage (a) The site coverage does not exceed 10% of the site area or 1500m2 whichever is the greater.

8. Maximum (i) Buildings and structures are permitted if: (ii) Not applicable. Height of (a) The maximum height of any building is 10m and Buildings and (b) All buildings and structures comply with the Aerodrome Flight Structures Path Protection Area rules contained in Appendix 9

9. Lighting (i) No activity shall result in a greater than 2.5 lux spill (horizontal (ii) Not applicable. and vertical) of light onto any adjoining property, measured at any point more than 2m inside the boundary of the adjoining property or the closest window on the adjoining property whichever is the closest.

10. Utilities (i) Refer Appendix 1 (ii) Refer Appendix 1

11. Signs (i) Refer Appendix 2 (ii) Refer Appendix 2

12. Hazardous (i) Refer Appendix 3 (ii) Refer Appendix Substances 3 13. Parking, (i) Refer Appendix 4 (ii) Refer Appendix Loading & 4 Access

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DISCRETIONARY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA EXPLANATION (iii) Any activity that (i) Effects on view. Certain areas in the district contravenes a (ii) Visibility of activities have been identified as permitted condition (iii) Effect on indigenous flora and fauna “Outstanding Landscape is a discretionary (iv) Mitigation measures proposed. Area” which are sensitive to activity. change. Accordingly, resource consent is required to assess these changes. (iii) Any activity that (i) The extent to which the character of the site will remain Site coverage is controlled to contravenes a dominated by open space and garden plantings, rather ensure that open space and permitted condition than buildings. other servicing requirements is a discretionary (ii) The ability to provide adequate outdoor space on the site and neighbourhood activity. for all outdoor activities associated with residential and amenities are met. It also other activities permitted on the site. assists in maintaining an area that is adequate for on- site disposal. (iii) Any activity that (i) The effect on adjoining properties in terms of sunlight, Height controls allow a two- contravenes a outlook and privacy. story building. Beyond this permitted condition (ii) The effect of the increased height in terms of visual limit control is required to is a discretionary dominance by buildings of the outlook from other sites, protect neighbours amenities activity. roads and public open space in the surrounding area, of adjoining properties. which is out of character with the local environment. (iii) The extent to which there is a need for the increased The recession plane protects height or intrusion through the recession lines, in order to sunlight and privacy of undertake the proposed activities on the site and adjoining properties. alternatives which may have less effect on the environment. Buildings and structures are (iv) The extent to which the proposed buildings will be also required to comply with compatible with the character of the local environment, flight protection path for the including the scale of other buildings in the surrounding Greymouth aerodrome to area. protects its operation (v) The ability to mitigate any adverse effects of increased height or exceedence of the recession planes, such as through increased separation distances between the building and adjoining sites or the provision of screening. (iii) Any activity that (i) The extent, frequency and intensity of light spill and glare. Lighting and glare can contravenes a detrimentally impact on a permitted condition person’s enjoyment of their is a discretionary property. activity. (iii) Refer Appendix Refer Appendix 1 Refer Appendix 1 1

(iii) Refer Appendix Refer Appendix 2 Refer Appendix 2 2

(iii) Refer Appendix Refer Appendix 3 Refer Appendix 3 3 (iii) Refer Appendix Refer Appendix 4 Refer Appendix 4 4

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19.7 ITEM PERMITTED CONTROLLED 14. Subdivision (i) Refer Appendix 5 (ii) Refer Appendix 5 15. Heritage (i) Refer Appendix 6 (ii) Refer Items & Historic Appendix 6 Trees 16. Non-Rural (i) Non rural activities are permitted if: (ii) Not applicable. Activity (a) The maximum floor area for any non-rural activity is a maximum of 100m2 provided that this shall not apply to fire stations. (b) The maximum number of permitted vehicle trips generated by an activity on a site is: Heavy Vehicles 20 per day Other Vehicles 100 per day (c) Any activity shall be conducted such that the following noise limits are not exceeded at any point within the notional Boundary of any dwelling in the Rural or Rural Residential Environmental Area and at the boundary of a site in the Residential and Township environment areas, other than the site from which the noise is created. (i) Rural Environmental to Rural Environmental and Township Environmental Monday to Saturday 0700 hrs to 2200 hrs 55dBA L10 2200 hrs to 0700 hrs 45dBA L10 Sunday 45dBA L10  75 dBA Lmax all days between 2200 hrs and 0700 hrs and (ii) Rural Environmental to Residential Environmental and Rural- Residential Environment Monday – Friday 2200 hrs to 0700 hrs 45dBA L10 0700 hrs to 2200 hrs 55dBA L10 Saturday 1700 hrs to 0800 hrs 45dBA L10 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs 55dBA L10 Sundays 45dBA L10  75dBA Lmax all days between 2200 hrs and 0700 hrs

Except where expressly provided elsewhere in this rule, sound shall be measured in accordance with the provisions of NZS 6801:1999 Acoustics Measurement of Environmental Sound and assessed in accordance with the provision of NZS 6802:1991 Assessment of Environmental Sound.

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DISCRETIONARY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA EXPLANATION (iii) Refer Appendix 5 Refer Appendix 5 Refer Appendix 5

(iii) Refer Appendix 6 Refer Appendix 6 Refer Appendix 6

(iii) Any activity that (i) The effects on adjoining sites in terms of visual impact Non-rural activities have contravenes a permitted and noise. the potential to detract condition is a (ii) The volume and type of traffic which may be from the amenities of the discretionary activity. generated to the site and the ability of the site to Rural Environment. accommodate parking, loading, manoeuvring and Hours of operation of non- access requirements. rural activities are (iii) The effect on adjoining properties. restricted to ensure the (iv) The type of activities and the reason for it operating quiet nature of settlement outside the specified hours. areas during night time (v) The level and character of the noise, particularly at hours is maintained and night. not disrupted by activities (vi) The proximity and type of adjoining uses such as which operate for dwellings. extended hours. (vii)The reason for the additional generation. Inappropriate levels of (viii)the ability to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse vehicle generation are not effects arising as a result of the extra generation. consistent with rural (ix) The proximity and type of adjoining uses. amenity and can detract (x) The soundscape of the area. from the level of existing amenity. The noise provision provides protection from unreasonable noise levels, particularly from non-rural activities. Fire stations are exempted from the rules relating to floor area, given the important service they provide to the community.

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19.7 ITEM PERMITTED CONTROLLED

Nothing in the foregoing shall apply to: (i) Activities such as rural activity vehicles, machinery or equipment operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacture’s specifications and used on an intermittent basis (e.g. spraying, harvesting, etc). All such equipment shall be operated and maintained in Resource Management Act 1991. (ii) Any warning device used by emergency services. (iii) People noise at recreational activities, such as sporting events or the noise from children at school. This does not include any amplified noise. (iv) Temporary military training activities provided that they shall be conducted so that the following noise limits are not exceeded when assessed at any point within the notional boundary of any dwelling. Timelimits(dBA) (Any Day) L10 L95 Lmax 0630-0730 60 45 70 0730-1800 75 60 90 1800-2000 70 55 85 2000-06 30 55 Impulse noise resulting from the use of ammunition, explosives or explosive simulators shall not exceed 122 dBC (peak). (v) Any activity on the same site as a noise source being assessed. Construction Noise Construction noise within the District shall be measured and assessed in accordance with the provisions of NZS 6803: 1999 Acoustics-Construction Noise. Noise associated with helicopter landing areas Noise associated with helicopter landing areas shall not exceed the limits in Table 1 of, and shall be measured and assessed in accordance with the provision of NZS 6807:1994 Noise management and land use planning for helicopter landing areas. Blasting Vibration from any site due to blasting shall not exceed a peak particle velocity of 5mm/sec measured in the frequency range 3- 12 Hz at the notional boundary of any dwelling, resthome, hospital or school. Airblast over pressure from blasting shall not exceed a peak sound pressure level of 120 dBC at the notional boundary of any dwelling, resthome, hospital or school. Or (d) They are temporary activities.

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DISCRETIONARY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA EXPLANATION

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